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Walt. Ha! my good friend, punctual to a wish. You have got your head stored, I hope, with a good plot.

Dart. I am at least more in the humour for it than I was. I have found his conceit and arrogance more intolerable than I imagined. I have touched him in the weak part too, and find him vulnerable.

Walt. Well, but the plot.

Dart. I have discovered also a trait of villainy in him, that would prick me on to the charge, were I sluggish as a tortoise.

Walt. So much the better. Now for the plot.

Dart. As I passed just now through the little green copse near the postern, a beautiful girl crossed my way, and in tears.

Walt. Tut! she has crossed thy wits too.

Dart. Have patience! she'll be useful.—I questioned her gently.

Walt. Aye, gently enough I doubt not.

Dart. And find she is sister to that shrewd little fellow, the Count's page: that her affections have been gained and betrayed by Valdemere; and she is now hovering about the castle,